Summary

South Islay Development (SID) aims to provide a building dedicated to the provision of childcare for 0 to 3 year olds, on the island of Islay, where childcare options are severely limited.

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Description

SID plans to build a dedicated childcare facility to cater for babies and toddlers up to three years old and provide dedicated childcare services for the community. This building will complement the soon to be finished new community Pavilion, and will be set within the 16 acres of Playing Fields, with access to a nearby enclosed playpark, and plenty of green space. 

On Islay there are a very limited number of childminders available. Islay has had a steady number of babies born in the last three years (ranging from 20-22 babies/year) and this is predicted to rise. Due to the lack of services available, families are using relatives and friends as childminders to allow them to return to work. The provision of a dedicated childcare facility would provide flexibility with this.

The facility will bring the following positive changes: 

• More flexibility for families with regards to 0 to 3 childcare options.
• More opportunities for families to work childcare around their needs, encouraging parents to return to work. 
• Families may be encouraged to move to Islay, as instead of having severely limited childcare options there will be a dedicated facility. 
• It will provide options for employment and training within the facility. It may help provide an opportunity for students and school leavers to gain work experience in their chosen field, without having to leave Islay. 

It is anticipated that it will be several years before the facility is up and running. The project is currently in the early stages. A Planning Application has been submitted to Argyll & Bute Council, and the Building Warrant has been completed as far as possible, given the current funding restrictions. SID are currently looking for funding to finalise the Building Warrant, and move on to the construction phases.